France, Britain, Canada urge Israel to halt Gaza offensive, allow aid access

PARIS - Leaders of France, Britain and Canada on Monday voiced strong opposition to the expansion of Israel's military operations in Gaza, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and unimpeded humanitarian access.

In a joint statement released by the French presidential office, the Elysee, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney urged the Israeli government to halt its military operations and immediately allow life-saving aid to reach civilians in Gaza.

"The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable," the leaders said, warning that blocking essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and may constitute a violation of international humanitarian law.

The statement also condemned what it described as "abhorrent language" recently used by Israeli government officials, including threats of Gaza's destruction.

While reaffirming Israel's right to defend its citizens against terrorism, the three leaders stressed they could not remain passive in the face of what they called egregious actions by the Netanyahu government.

Regarding the West Bank, the leaders demanded an immediate halt to Israeli settlement expansion, warning that continued settlement activity would prompt targeted sanctions.

France, Britain and Canada also reiterated their commitment to recognizing a Palestinian state as a step toward achieving a two-state solution.